Mike was born on January 1, 1961 to Keith and Lucy Graybill. He was the first baby born in Independence, MO that year. Unbeknownst to Mike, the man who would be his lifelong best friend, Duane Price, was born in the same hospital just a few hours before our favorite New Year’s baby.

Growing up in Independence, Mike was active in sports, playing football and wrestling through his days at Fort Osage High School. He played the tuba for the high school band and was active in Boy Scouts attaining the honor of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Fort Osage High School in 1979 and went on to earn his BA in Political Science from UMKC.

Mike married the love of his life, Renee Babcock, on August 29, 2009. The two of them together faced the blessings, challenges, and heartache life threw their way through their faith in God.

Mike’s favorite hobby frequently found him riding his Harley down any nearby winding road with his beloved wife Renee and often with a pack of family and friends.

Mike was a loving and loyal husband to his wife, a devoted father to his children, an affectionate grandfather, a cherished brother, and trusted friend to many. 

He is survived by his wife, Renee Graybill, children Sarah (Amine), Sydney and Armani Graybill, his grandchildren, Jaden (Ke’Azia) Ploeger, Amyah, Ayden, Zayd, and Amirah and one great grandchild Cattleya, his brothers Vern (Angie) Graybill, and Daryl Graybill, his sister Marcia Graybill (Jared), his daughter-in-law, Jami Graybill as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Lucy Graybill and his oldest son, Adam Graybill.

Mike’s abounding love can be seen in the cherished family he leaves behind, his church family, his co-workers, neighbors, and anyone who had the opportunity to be blessed by his friendship and his testimony of how God worked in his life. Mike was a double-lung transplant recipient on August 7, 2020. He had many challenges along the way, but was always ready to share the gospel and pray for those who cared for him throughout his recovery.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 9:45 a.m. with a celebration of Mike’s life beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Journey Church International, 1601 SW MO Hwy 150, Lee’s Summit, MO 64082.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or a charity of your choice. 

 Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation